BANGKOK, Nov 18 — The next generation of Mazda car designs may include some rear-wheel drive models, if what we have seen and heard (source unconfirmed) come true. We do know however, that the design and engineering teams at Mazda headquarters in Japan are a real enthusiastic lot of car lovers who are very passionate about driving, as explained in the Mazda Zoom-Zoom philosophy, wherein Mazda says that the fun of driving must always be maintained. I know how they feel about cars, and I have always been a fan of rear-wheel drive cars, the Miata included, of course.

From what I hear, not all the cars in Mazda will be converted to rear-wheel drive — there will always be the SUV’s which will remain as Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD). The smaller range cars like the Mazda 2 would also remain as FWD, as the buyers in this category are more budget-conscious. For the Mazda 3, which is starting to ‘grow’, we may see a mixture of FWD and AWD, depending on the engine power. The main thrust of the switch however, is expected to be focused on the new Mazda 6 which we expect to see in 2020.

At the Mazda Design Forum 2018 held in Bangkok last week, Mazda presented two cars, the Mazda RX Vision, and the Mazda Vision Coupe. These two cars represent what the future of Mazda car design is all about. The new Mazda design philosophy is enshrined in its KODO Soul of Motion philosophy which was started in 2010. To Mazda, a car is more than just a mean of transport or a mass of metal. It should be a vital presence in people’s lives, like a friend or family member. That’s why the KODO design philosophy is all about breathing life into the very form of Mazda cars.

A long nose and bonnet section hint at a RWD powertrain. — Picture by YS Khong

Mazda design attempts to capture the energy found in the frame-by-frame dynamism of living creatures as they move, and infuse this energy and rhythm into the form of Mazda vehicles, creating cars with a vitality that makes them truly alive.

The RX Vision was showcased as a concept car in 2016, and it won the ‘Most Beautiful Car of the Year’ Award. The talk in town is that the RX Vision will form the base of the RX8 replacement coupe, and we would get to see the rotary engine back in action again, although it will only play the role of a range-extender for either a fully electric or plug-in hybrid.

Mazda RX Vision will be either PHEV or EV with a rotary engine range extender. — Picture by YS Khong

The MAZDA VISION COUPE is a next-generation design vision model which showcases the “new elegance” that Mazda has developed, drawing upon Mazda’s long history of design. The name of the car “COUPE” gives a hint of where this special “Mazda elegance” originally came from. The Vision Coupe won the 2018 ‘Most Beautiful Car of the Year’ award too.

In creating the form of the body, the focus has been on stripping away everything that is unnecessary. The sense of rhythm and movement displayed by Mazda cars in recent years has been transformed into a simple three-dimensional shape that aims to embody a “less is more” aesthetic.

From the Mazda badge on the front to the badge on the back, a single powerful axis runs right through the car, evoking the look and feel of supple steel, with all the car’s movements centring on this central vector. The result is a form that is extraordinarily simple yet full of a sense of latent speed: the “one motion form” that is the outstanding feature of this model. Having created a four-door coupe as the basic framework, Mazda has invested tremendous time and care on the bodywork, especially the play of light across its surface.

Mazda RX Vision, rear view. — Picture by YS Khong

In the Mazda VISION COUPE, the cockpit layout is symmetrical, with the steering centre in the middle and everything else to the left and right, meaning that the driver can sense the central axis of the car at all times. The Jinba-ittai ideal of intuitive operation has also been brought into the controls. Drivers can bring up information with a quick touch of the centre console, like a jockey stroking the neck of his or her horse. This and other controls seek to create a unique human-machine interface that intuitively connects car and driver.

The word in town is also that the next generation of Mazda cars would be ‘somewhere in between’ these two models. Of course, to be totally honest, the final design would be a little different from the concept model, but the basic lines and philosophy remain.

The new Mazda 3 will be premiered in the Los Angeles Motor Show to be held at the end of this month, and we look forward to it eagerly. As for the rear-wheel drive theory for the Mazda 6 — if the Vision Coupe’s long bonnet should be a good enough hint — it is probably like that in preparation for a longitudinally-mounted engine to drive the rear wheels.

WOLFSBURG, Nov 17 — German auto giant Volkswagen said yesterday it will invest €44 billion (RM210.44 billion) by 2023 in the smarter, greener cars of the future as it ramps up efforts to shake off the “dieselgate” emissions cheating scandal.

Over the coming five years, VW said it aims to spend “almost €44 billion” on electric, self-driving and connected cars as well as mobility services like car sharing.

The figure represents roughly a third of the group’s planned expenditure between now and 2023, and the bulk of it will go on developing e-cars, VW said following a supervisory board meeting on future strategy.

Volkswagen’s “electric offensive” underscores just how serious the automaker is about closing the gap with Asian competitors and US tech giant Tesla who have had a head start in the e-car race.

“We want to make Volkswagen the global number one in e-mobility,” CEO Herbert Diess told reporters.

“The time has come to take further technology and product decisions to achieve that goal.”

The group, whose brands range from luxury Porsche and Audi to the budget-conscious Skoda and Seat, has set itself the ambitious target of offering more than 50 electric models by 2025, up from six today.

It has high hopes in particular for the “affordable”, zero-emission Volkswagen ID compact which will have a battery range of 550 kilometres and cost roughly the same as a VW Golf — in a direct challenge to Tesla’s mass-market Model 3.

As part of the new strategy, VW intends to reshuffle some production sites in a bid to boost efficiency and achieve savings by bundling production of different models across brands.

“We are making our plants fit for the future,” VW board member Oliver Blume said.

Teaming up with Ford

Two existing German plants will be converted into assembly lines for all-electric vehicles from 2022.

The plant in Emden will specialise in building small electric cars and sedans for several of the group’s brands, while the Hanover factory will make the ID Buzz, the clean-energy version of VW’s iconic camper van.

In a nod to concerns about job losses, Diess acknowledged that electric motors, which require fewer parts than combustion engines, are “much less complex” to build.

But VW has promised to guarantee jobs at both sites until 2028, focussing instead on phasing out positions by not replacing those who retire.

VW also announced plans to open a new factory at a yet to be determined location in eastern Europe.

Diess additionally confirmed that VW was “currently in talks” on teaming up with US competitor Ford in building light commercial vehicles, which would involve sharing factories.

But he stayed coy on speculation that the cooperation could extend into electric and autonomous car manufacturing.

Diess said partnerships were becoming necessary to achieve cost savings at a time when the industry is undergoing an expensive transformation.

Looking further ahead, VW said it was still “exploring the potential” of manufacturing its own batteries for electric cars as concern grows in Europe about the Asian dominance in battery cell production.

Diesel bans

Volkswagen’s pivot towards e-cars has in part been spurred by efforts to shake off its ongoing “dieselgate” scandal.

The group was forced to admit in 2015 that it had installed cheating software in 11 million diesel vehicles designed to dupe pollution tests.

Suspicions of trickery later spread to other carmakers too, badly hurting the industry’s reputation.

The saga also fuelled a backlash against diesel, with a string of German cities now facing driving bans for the oldest, most polluting diesel cars.

Faced with increasingly angry drivers, the German government has come under pressure to avoid the bans but its efforts to get carmakers to commit to cleaning up engines have had limited success.

The “dieselgate” fallout has so far cost VW more than €28 billion in fines, buybacks and compensation and the company remains mired in legal woes around the world.

Nevertheless customers have remained loyal, helping Volkswagen to record sales last year.

The group said last month it was on track to beat last year’s revenues of €231 billion. — AFP

The 12th generation of the Toyota Corolla was unveiled today, featuring a sportier exterior, enhanced performance, and new connected technology. After following in the steps of the 2019 Corolla Hatchback, the new 2020 sedan uses the underpinnings of the Toyota New Global Architecture making the long-surviving vehicle even more sturdy and aggressive.

As a result of being outfitted with a TNGA vehicle platform that lowers the center of gravity, Toyota was able to reimagine the outside and inside into sleeker, more streamlined forms. The vehicle now drives with a much lower and wider stance, giving the sedan an angry aesthetic that's still controlled.

The interior was designed, "based on a Sensuous Minimalism concept" which Toyota simplifies as a simple yet sensual vision. The space chicly contains all the essentials in a spacious cabin without the unnecessary addition of distracting bells and whistles.

Toyota Safety Sense has been added to the 2020 model and tailored for each market to ensure that the "Corolla contributes to the widespread use of safer cars." This smart safety tech, which is now a Toyota standard, includes pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, automatic high beams, and a dynamic radar cruise control feature among others to keep Corolla drivers safe.

Also as a new Toyota standard, the sedan is equipped with a Data Communication Module that connects to a Controller Area Network, providing drivers with a range of connected services including an emergency reporting system.

US sales are expected to open in Spring 2019, followed by gradual rollouts across over 150 countries and regions. A version of the model tailored for the Japanese market is expected to launch sometime within 2019. All vehicles will be optimised for their respective market's customers and roads, making the Corolla one of the most adaptable vehicles on the market. — AFP-Relaxnews

]]>Fri, 16 Nov 2018 19:55:09 +0800toyota corolla,2020 toyota corollahttps://www.malaymail.com/s/1693952/germany-eases-diesel-vehicle-bans
https://www.malaymail.com/s/1693952/germany-eases-diesel-vehicle-bansThe car industry in Germany has escaped at home the tens of billions in fines it has had to pay out in the United States over diesel emissions cheating. — AFP pic

HAMBURG, Nov 16 — The German government will ease air pollution law so as to spare cities that only slightly exceed limits on harmful nitrogen dioxide (NO2) from diesel vehicle bans, ministers agreed yesterday, sparking sharp criticsm by environmentalists.

Major cities like Hamburg, Frankfurt and Stuttgart have put in place or are preparing exclusion zones for older diesel vehicles in order to bring NO2 levels under the EU-wide annual average limit of 40 microgrammes per cubic metre, with more towns on the way.

Judges have ordered some of the bans, while politicians in other urban areas moved to preempt the courts.

But such measures have outraged diesel drivers, who complain that older vehicles are set to lose a massive chunk of their resale value as a result.

The car industry — the heart of the German economy and politically well-connected — has escaped at home the tens of billions in fines it has had to pay out in the United States over diesel emissions cheating.

It has also avoided any binding obligation to refit older cars to meet the latest emissions norms.

Beyond softening the threshold for implementing a ban from 40 to 50 microgrammes per cubic metre, Berlin plans other changes to allay fears among owners in the most-polluted cities still subject to bans.

Ministers will further alter the law to allow cars meeting the older Euro 4 and 5 standards and emitting less than 270 milligrammes of NO2 per kilometre to enter the zones.

“The government is obviously in panic mode. Otherwise there would be no explanation for its rushing through an update to the law that infringes in several ways EU law,” said Juergen Resch, head of environmental pressure group DUH.

“We will secure the right for clean air in all cities in 2019, the courts will ignore the weakening of the thresholds,” he added.

DUH plans to sue the federal government for breaking EU law if it presses ahead with the changes. — AFP

LONDON, Nov 14 — The wait is over. Aston Martin has treated fans to a first look at its upcoming SUV, showing off a prototype model that is now set to be put through its paces. The automaker has also confirmed the DBX name. After an extensive testing program, the brand's debut SUV is slated to launch at the end of 2019.

To show off the range of its capabilities, the prototype was put through its paces along a demanding Welsh Rally stage in the UK. In fact, the SUV will be subject to a rigorous regime of real-world testing to ensure it is as robust as possible when it hits the market. After the Welsh challenge, it is set to tackle tough terrain such as the frozen Arctic and scorching deserts of the Middle East, not to mention high-speed testing at Germany's Nürburgring circuit.

The Aston Martin DBX will be built at the firm's new St Athan plant in Wales and is scheduled to be unveiled in Q4 2019.

The first production SUV from Aston Martin is directly derived from the DBX concept unveiled in 2015 in Pebble Beach, California.

The British automaker is yet to announce engine specs for its new model, although the brand hopes to build the world's most powerful SUV, beating the 650-horsepower Lamborghini Urus. The British automotive media suggests that one idea could be to match a V8 4.0L twin turbo engine from Mercedes with an electric motor for a total of almost 700 horsepower.

Note that Aston Martin has another SUV in the works for its Lagonda premium brand, although this isn't expected before 2021. This production model will be based on the Lagonda Vision Concept, presented in Geneva in March 2018.

In the high-end sector, Aston Martin will join Bentley, Lamborghini and Rolls-Royce, which have already branched out into the popular SUV market with the Bentayga, the Urus and the Cullinan. The next contender on the list promises to be a heavyweight challenger, hailing from none other than Ferrari. — AFP-Relaxnews

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov 14 — A self-driving car service being tested by Alphabet-owned Waymo will be opened up to more people in the Phoenix, Arizona, area, chief John Krafcik said yesterday.

About 400 “early riders” are already taking part in the fledgling service Waymo began testing early last year, Krafcik said at a Wall Street Journal technology conference in Southern California.

They can use a smartphone application to summon autonomous vehicles any time of day to get about in an area about 100 square miles at its maximum, according to Krafcik.

“Now, we are at the point where we are going to expand this step by step, little by little, because this is a very long journey,” Krafcik said in an onstage interview, a video clip of which was posted online.

“It's a very challenging technology and we are going to take our time.”

Over the course of the next couple of months, Waymo will open the service up to more people and give riders “more autonomy” in what they can do with it, according to Krafcik.

Waymo expected businesses to be interested in using the autonomous ride service to carry customers to and from shops, the Journal reported.

The firm earlier this year announced it was adding as many as 62,000 Fiat Chrysler minivans to its autonomous fleet in an expanded collaboration announced by the companies. — AFP

WOLFSBURG, Nov 14 — Volkswagen is working on a sporty, performance version of its crossover, which has now been spotted in full camouflage speeding around the Nürburgring race track in Germany, as seen in a video shared by YouTuber, Automotive Mike.

From the look of the video, the T-Roc R appears to have a larger radiator grill, thicker bumpers and two dual exhausts at the back.

Since the T-Roc shares a technical platform with the Golf, there is a strong chance that it could get the same four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbocharged engine as the Golf R, which boasts 300 horsepower (although the next generation could push up to 400 hp) and 4Motion all-wheel drive.

The Volkswagen T-Roc R isn't expected to land in dealerships before 2019. — AFP-Relaxnews

MILAN, Nov 13 — EVs were in the spotlight at Milan’s 2018 International Motorcycle Show.

New electric bicycles, mopeds, scooters, and even tiny electric cars were all on display at EICMA this year, which wrapped up Sunday; most notable, however, were the stylish debuts of new-generation electric motorcycles.

As the automobile industry shifts towards electric power, we can see the motorcycle industry trailing close behind as seen at events like EICMA 2018 in Milan. Not only did this International Motorcycle feature the latest and greatest motorcycles and motorcycle concept vehicles of this year, but also a variety of transportation forms such as scooters, bicycles, and mopeds.

Within each of these categories, an electric version made an appearance further supporting the worldwide shift towards alternative fuel. Though motorcycles have been later to the electric game than vehicles like cars or scooters, a generous selection of battery-powered bikes we unveiled last week.

Arc Vector

On the opening day of EICMA, Arc revealed what the company describes as “the most premium and individual of EVs” at £90,000 (RM481,160). This luxury ride reaches 60mph in just over three seconds and continues on to the superbike speed of 120mph. Though Arc is new to the electric bike scene, it’s developed one of the most innovative and advanced models on the market. To own one, contact the company directly.

CSC City Slicker

Advertised as a pleasant and safe fully-electric motorcycle that’s “perfect for commuting, errands, and fun rides around town,” this bike has a top speed of 46 mph, a 62-mile range with conservative driving, and can be recharged in six to eight hours all for US$2,495 (RM10,439.08). The model is already available online.=

Energica Bolid-E Concept

This concept electric motorcycle was engineered by Energica with Samsung for a project known as Smart Ride. Mirrors were replaced by cameras, an Energica app tracks vehicle health, and an NFC connection between a Galaxy Watch and the bike will start the motorcycle when automatically within proximity of one another. The companies hope that this smart vehicle demonstrates the future of electric motor transportation.

Harley-Davidson LiveWire

Harley-Davidson officially joined the electric vehicle movement with the debut of the final production prototype of the LiveWire — the company’s very first all-electric bike — which was first revealed without many specs back in July. This model is expected to be released next year, just the first of the full portfolio of electric motorcycles the company hopes to release by 2022.

KYMCO SuperNEX

KYMCO’s SuperNEX “supersport” electric motorcycle can reach 250kph in just 10.9 seconds — that’s impressive performance for a company previously known for its scooters. This model is just the first prototype, however, so we don’t know the price, release date, or even if the company will bring it into production.

Otto Bike MCR II

Following in its high-performing predecessor’s footsteps, the MCR2 electric motorcycle by Otto Bike represents an enhancement on the original design with a “simpler appearance, better ergonomics, and more powerful performance.” With a higher top speed and range, fans are eagerly awaiting the price and release date.

Super SOCO TC MAX

Super SOCO upgraded its electric motorcycle lineup with the TC MAX, a bike capable of over double the speed of existing models. Though it’s more adept to highway riding than the other models, it’s better suited for urban commuters. The model was designed to be quiet, and its removable battery makes charging easy. Production and delivery begins early next year in Europe where the bike will start at €4,499 (RM21,212.88). — AFP-Relaxnews

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov 12 — After an alarming video surfaced of car thieves stealing a Tesla with nothing but a phone and tablet, Tesla released a Model 3 key fob without the easily intercepted passive entry feature for US customers on Friday.

After receiving constant requests from Model 3 owners who have not been satisfied with opening their car via a credit card-like key or via their smartphone and the Tesla mobile app, Tesla finally released a Model 3 key fob on Friday — those in the early access program already got their hands on the device last month.

Whereas the other Tesla models have always had a complementary fob, the Model 3 didn’t up until Friday; however, this version is a bit different from the others. The Model S and Model X fobs are equipped with a feature called “passive entry” which allows the vehicles to automatically unlock when their fob is within a certain range — a range that could be intercepted by hackers through a cell phone or tablet. The Model 3 fob doesn’t have this feature which is bittersweet, depending on how much you appreciated not pressing a button to enter your car.

Without this passive entry (which can, in fact, still be used when paired with a smartphone), drivers will have to press the fob’s physical buttons to lock and unlock the doors, open the trunk, pop the hood, and open the door to the charging port, just like is possible with the other Tesla models; on the bright side, this makes the car less likely to be stolen.

Right now, the key fob that looks like a tiny version of the Tesla Model 3 is sold out; when the device is restocked, it can be ordered from the website for US$150 (RM627). — AFP-Relaxnews

LONDON, Nov 10 — This original and entertaining advent calendar contains a detailed 1:43 scale model of a 1965 Porsche 911 in six parts, as well as a sound module, a plastic base and various other accessories.

Each part is concealed in one of the advent calendar's 24 individual gift boxes, allowing the diorama to take shape a little more each day.

Created in collaboration with the Porsche Museum, this original advent calendar is sure to please fans of the German automotive brand and its cars.

Note that it is accompanied by a detailed construction guide and a booklet featuring background information about the Porsche 911, both of which are in German and English.

BERLIN, Nov 10 — BMW Group announced on Thursday that its newest high-revving coupe is on its way to series production.

In one of the final phases of testing—ripping around the corners of the Estoril grand-prix racing circuit in Portugal—before series production, the camouflaged BMW M8 Coupe is proving to be large and in charge.

This flagship model will essentially replace the M6 while bringing brand new aesthetics and performance to the M line characterised by “dynamic prowess, agility, and precision.” The low center of gravity, wide tracks, and overall lightweight design make for a stable and controllable ride that’s further enhanced by M-line specific features including a unique chassis and suspension to increase steering precision and cornering dynamics.

As for the engine, the high-revving V8 with M TwinPower Turbo tech will produce the same 440kW/600hp of power as the well-loved M5 Sedan right down to the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

Official market launch of the BMW M8 Coupe is expected in 2019 followed by derivatives of the model: the BMW M8 Convertible and the BMW Gran Coupe. Though we don’t have a price tag yet, the M850i Coupe will start at $111,900 next year, too, so the M8 will probably go up from there. — AFP-Relaxnews

]]>Sat, 10 Nov 2018 10:56:23 +0800bmw m8 coupehttps://www.malaymail.com/s/1691583/honda-reveals-entire-2019-motorcycle-lineup-at-eicma-2018
https://www.malaymail.com/s/1691583/honda-reveals-entire-2019-motorcycle-lineup-at-eicma-2018The CBR650R, one of the two new models in the 2019 European motorcycle lineup. — Picture courtesy of Honda

MILAN, Nov 9 — With two new models and three major model updates, Honda is breathing new life into the European motorcycle collection.

On the first press day of 2018 EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, Tuesday, Honda unveiled its entire 2019 European motorcycle lineup, showing off two new models and three model upgrades.

To complete its ‘Neo Sports Café’ bike lineup, Honda introduced the CB650R, a naked model with minimal styling. As a result, the in-line four-cylinder engine and sculpted fuel tank are on full display.

This café racer-trapezoid motorcycle hybrid brings both a classic and modern feel to the trio with its “top-line” performance specs and unique look.

The second new model Honda revealed was the CBR650R, which draws design inspiration from the flashy and aggressive CBR1000RR Fireblade.

This model also sports an in-line four-cylinder engine, but this one is especially high-revving with 70kW of power reaching up to 12,000rpm.

As a replacement for the CBR650F, the model presents a lighter, sportier, and more powerful face to the ‘R’ lineup.

The 2019 models of the CB500F, CBR500R and CB500X, on the other hand, just received updates, though extensive.

As for the upgrades that all three have in common, the motorcycles are now equipped with a new rear suspension, assist/slipper clutch, compete LED lighting, upgraded ULD instruments, and a dual-exit muffler.

The CB500F and CBR500R have both been restyled to have a narrower, sharper body, whereas the CB500X’s updates focus more on adventure performance.

With a longer suspension travel front and rear, slimmed-down seat, widened steering angle and more “rugged fairing,” the ‘X’ factor has been more deeply integrated into the model.

These new and modified middleweight bikes give the lineup refreshed performance and aesthetic, rounding out the options for European consumers of all experience levels.

Honda describes each as a “stepping stone” to its more specialized flagship roadster, sports, and adventure models. — AFP-Relaxnews

In a statement today, Alpha Group Ezz Elarab’s owner, Hisham Ezz Elarab said the team was working to re-establish the Proton brand by following the dynamic changes happening to the brand in Malaysia.

“Aside from being the sole importer, Alpha Group Ezz Elarab is also the first company to carry Proton’s latest corporate identity in a showroom outside of Malaysia,” he said.

Meanwhile Proton’s Director of International Sales, Steven Xu Yuan said Egypt had the potential to play a bigger role in helping Proton achieve its future sales targets by increasing the export sales volume.

“Proton and our Egyptian importer have to work closely to ensure the market needs are met when addressing the product and pricing fit for buyers here,” he said.

In September, 246 Proton cars consisting mainly of left hand drive versions of the Proton Saga and Proton Exora arrived in Egypt.

The distribution of the cars will be handled by Alpha Group Ezz Elarab with cars being sent to the seven branches and dealers serving the market.

Xu said Alpha Group Ezz Elarab was confident of achieving its sales target of 1,400 units for 2019 with the expected arrival of the revised versions of the Saga and Exora Plus model in the middle of the year. — Bernama

LOS ANGELES, Nov 9 — The Japanese automaker has officially announced that the new Mazda3 will make its world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show, which opens to the public from November 30 to December 9, 2018.

The fourth-generation version of this compact car is expected to get the firm’s new SkyActiv-X gasoline engines, promising reduced fuel consumption and performances similar to diesels. The manufacturer states that the Mazda3 marks the beginning of a new generation of models delivering “new dimensions of driving pleasure.”

In terms of design, the new Mazda3 is likely to be based heavily on the Kai concept presented in 2017 in Tokyo. For the time being, Mazda has only shared one picture and a short teaser video showing the latest Mazda3 model, heralding “a new era” for the automaker.

MILAN, Nov 9 — Harley-Davidson has previewed a “production-ready” LiveWire bike at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan — open to the public November 8-11 — releasing more information on the firm’s first fully electric motorcycle, due on sale in 2019.

The LiveWire will offer seven riding modes, three of which can be user-defined. Harley-Davidson explains that the bike’s performances and range are optimised for urban usage, without further elaboration.

In its concept version, the LiveWire has a 55kW motor, equivalent to nearly 75 horsepower.

Range comes in at little more than 80km, a figure that has likely been seriously boosted in the production model in order to win over prospective buyers.

The bike features a main lithium-ion battery as well as a smaller 12V battery to power the lights, controls, horn and instrument display.

It can be charged via a domestic power socket or a fast-charge solution.

Harley-Davidson states that all of its dealerships selling the LiveWire motorcycle will offer a public charging station.

Finally, rider information is displayed on a tilt-adjustable colour TFT touch screen located above the handlebar.

Preorders for the Harley-Davidson LiveWire are scheduled to open in January 2019, when pricing will be revealed. It is at this point that the brand will release the bike’s full set of technical specifications and performance-related information.

Harley-Davidson plans to develop other electric models, promising lighter and more agile builds, with a full portfolio in store by 2022. Indeed, the manufacturer hopes to become the world leader in the electrification of motorcycles.

Check out the Harley-Davidson LiveWire in this video:

The 76th edition of the EICMA motorcycle show runs November 8-11, 2018, in Milan, Italy. Website: eicma.it. — AFP-Relaxnews

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 8 — While the online buying community is getting excited in anticipation of the much-mooted 11.11 sales festival being promoted by many of online-sales platforms in the country, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is responding by offering a special limited edition Volkswagen Polo Black and White.Naturally, black leather seats are installed for the Polo Black and White edition.

In a short ceremony at Sri Hartamas Volkswagen (VPCM), and Lazada unveiled the special limited edition Polo Black & White that will only be sold online in conjunction with Lazada’s annual 11.11 Shopping Festival celebrations.

Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM said, “(The) consumer’s purchasing journey has evolved so much in the past recent years, and we are pleased to have played a part in changing perceptions to the point where purchasing a car in now the new norm.

This is evident with the success of our collaboration with Lazada for the 12.12. Beetle and the recent JOIN range. Convenience aside, this also tells us that consumers are online – reading, researching and looking for the best deals. And this is where Volkswagen will be.”The Polo Black and White edition sports black rear spoiler and alloy rims.

Interestingly, there will be only eleven units of this special edition, bookings will open on Lazada’s online platform on November 11, 2018, starting from 00.00.01, which is essentially one second past midnight on 10 November. Interested parties are advised to log onto Lazada’s website early in order to secure a unit.

The buyer need only pay the retail price of RM48,488 for the Polo Black (not inclusive of insurance and registration fees), and if successful in securing a unit, will get an additional RM7,500 worth of accessories. As part of the deal, official bank partner Hong Leong Bank will also be offering a special low interest of 1.11 percent per annum for a 5-year loan.

The power train of the Polo B & W is VW’s proven 1.6 litre DOHC, 105 PS, 153 Nm torque, petrol Multi-point fuel injection engine, while drive is to the front wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic and Sport Mode.

The Polo B & W also gets a new RCD 340G Head unit which offers a wide range of connectivity options such as USB and Ipod interface, AUX –IN support, SD card slot, Bluetooth and APP-Connect (Car Play, Android auto and mirrorlink).

To make a booking, a booking fee of RM799.00 is required and can be made via Lazada Wallet, credit card or online banking, after which the customer will receive a call from a Volkswagen representative for arrangements on their preferred dealership and to complete the registration and delivery of the vehicle.

LOS ANGELES, Nov 7 — The eighth generation of the Porsche 911 will be coming to the European market early next year, but not before the prototype completes its final tests across the world.

The company was generous enough to release some snapshots of the car during its endurance testing programme.

The 2020 Porsche 911 prototype has been undergoing rigorous final testing before the production model hits the market in early 2019.

To assess how well the interior components, combustion engine, and air conditioning can handle the heat, Porsche tested the model in the desert, to ensure the entire car could withstand temperatures typical of the Gulf States in the Middle East or Death Valley in the USA, which can reach up to 50 .

To test the vehicles functioning in the cold, on the other hand, the prototype was brought to Finland where temperatures drop as low as -35 . In this frigid environment, Porsche tested the vehicle’s cold start capabilities, heating and air conditioning, traction on snow and ice, handling and breaking, and control systems response.

For endurance testing, the 911 cruised on China’s roads and sprinted along the country’s race tracks in “a traffic structure that is typical for that country,” where fuel quality can also vary greatly.

To ensure the engine, transmission, brakes, and chassis can withstand high-speed driving while staying cool and in control, the vehicle was tested on the Nürburgring race track in Germany and Nardò test tracks in Italy. Its endurance was further tested at opposite elevations: 4,300 meters above sea level in Mount Evans, Colorado, and 90 meters below in Death Valley.

Though it’s essential to test the 911 in all weather conditions, including the extreme climates where some of the production models will be used, most drivers will be taking their Porsche out on public urban and rural roads as part of their daily routine. The cars were also thoroughly tested in these no less important environments.

In total, the prototype models have been driven around 3,000,000km. In theory, they can withstand every environment that a driver could possibly put them through, and the 911 undoubtedly looks good even under all this stress.

Though the model is not yet officially scheduled to be unveiled to the public, the LA Auto Show (November 30–December 9, 2018) presents the perfect opportunity for a reveal. — AFP-Relaxnews

NEW YORK, Nov 7 — For this year’s holiday season, Dodge has transformed a crimson Hellcat Redeye into a jolly sleigh.

Yesterday, Dodge published their first holiday video of the season featuring a Hellcat redesigned with some yuletide flair and piloted by a Santa who clearly lifts weights. Looks like the reindeer may be getting a vacation this year.

The ripped elves in Santa’s workshop may have created the fastest sleigh-ride ever — and this muscled, tattooed Saint Nick is far from disappointed. The doors are gone, the windshield has been cut in half, and all the tires have been replaced by silver runners that will make delivering toys a breeze.

As a tribute to the reindeer that the Hellcat replaced, the Redeye emblem is sporting a set of antlers fit for the holidays.

Beside Santa’s new souped-up sleigh three other festive models will be on special this Black Friday: the Dodge Challenger, Charger, and Durango, all of which are at least “America’s Fastest” in their respective model categories, even the newly bulked up Santa may be the strongest the world has ever seen.

It’s probably a good idea to be nice this year; after all, with his sleigh’s new 797-horsepower engine, it looks like this bulked-up Kris Kringle may even have time to do a second trip. — AFP-Relaxnews

NEW YORK, Nov 6 ― On Friday, SpaceX announced that Starman, the Tesla space Roadster's makeshift pilot, has officially passed Mars' orbit. The car is expected to reach its far point this Thursday.

In February, Elon Musk's SpaceX launched a Tesla Roadster car manned by Starman, a mannequin in an astronaut suit, into the sky. Nine months later, the sportscar passed Mars' orbit as SpaceX tweeted on Friday.

The Roadster is right on schedule to reach its farthest point this Thursday at 155 million miles (249 million km) from the sun, according to Ben Pearson's model on Where Is Roadster?, a website tracking the Roadster's journey.

On November 8, Starman will be at its maximum distance from the sun, after which its orbit will marginally shrink over hundreds of years.

According to Pearson, the car will reach its farthest point from Earth this coming February but will return for a close approach in November of 2020, at which time it will be just 32 million miles (51 million km) away from us.

As of today, nearly nine months since the launch, Starman has exceeded its 36,000 mile (57,900km) warranty over 10 thousand times by traveling a distance equivalent to 16.4 times the combined length of every road on Earth. At 34,597 miles per hour (55,678km per hour), this is definitely the fastest roadster the Earth ― and the solar system ― has ever seen. ― AFP-Relaxnews

NEW YORK, Nov 3 ― After unveiling the new 8 Series model earlier in the year, BMW has now lifted the lid on a convertible version of its luxury sedan, on sale from March 2019.

The BMW 8 Series Convertible was developed in parallel to the BMW 8 Series Coupé, the BMW M8 and the BMW M8 GTE endurance racer. It boasts a lower center of gravity and even weight distribution, as well as lightweight construction using aluminum, magnesium and carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP). A driving mode selector can be used to switch from a comfortable driving style to a sportier driving mode.

The car notably has a front apron with extra-large air intakes, distinctive side skirt and rear apron design, plus multifunction seats and an M leather steering wheel. Options include a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround audio system, a heat comfort package, active seat ventilation, and Laserlight headlights with a high beam range increased to 600 metres.

BMW has loaded the convertible up with a head-up display system, as well as its latest-generation voice control system and an intelligent personal assistant, which can act as a digital co-driver and vehicle expert.

Power transfer is delivered by the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission and BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive.

The four-seater cabriolet has a soft-top roof with fully electric operation, opening and closing at the touch of a button and when traveling at up to 50km/h (31mph).

WASHINGTON, Nov 2 ― A TRD-treated Toyota Avalon and Camry have been teased for the 2018 LA Auto Show.

What better place to tease impressive vehicle upgrades than...Twitter? The application is proving to be the ideal place to reveal everything from political policies to new gadgets, and Toyota is jumping on that bandwagon. Yesterday, Toyota USA teased an Avalon and Camry upgraded by the Toyota Racing Development.

TDR is known for providing vehicles with handsome upgrades that generously improve performance, but no details are available yet.

Cosmetically, both Avalon and Camry have seen some changes in 2018: new front splitters and wheels. Without a doubt, aesthetically, the models look a bit more hardcore, but Toyota hasn’t revealed if anything else has been beefed up.

With the TRD modifications that the company made to the Subaru BRZ back in July (new breaks, dampers, and exhaust), we can assume that these souped up models will be just that ― souped up.

The LA Auto Show runs November 30-December 9, 2018.

Mark your calendars for November 28 at 2:05pm Eastern time to watch a live stream of the Toyota TRD reveals. ― AFP-Relaxnews

SINGAPORE, Nov 2 — Thousands of Subaru vehicles in the region, including fewer than 100 in Singapore, are affected by two worldwide recalls.

The vehicles have possible valve spring defects in their engines, or displays that may inaccurately show the amount of fuel left.

Motor Image, which distributes Subaru vehicles in the region, said in a statement yesterday that it will notify its customers about the recalls, which are a precautionary measure.

The vehicles with potential valve spring issues were manufactured between January 16, 2012 and May 14, 2013.

Affected models include:

2013 Model Year (MY) BRZ

2013-2014MY Legacy/Outback

2012-2014MY Forester

2012-2014MY Impreza/XV equipped with the FA20 engine or FB20 engine

Under stress, the valve springs in the affected engines may fracture, resulting in an unusual noise coming from the engine, as well as the engine stalling and not being able to restart.

Subaru will replace the valve springs and related parts for free.

Separately, 2018MY Legacy/Outback vehicles manufactured before Aug 1 this year are being recalled for potential issues with multi-information displays.

Subaru said that a programming issue may lead to inaccurate displays of the amount of fuel and actual drivable distance left.

Motor Image will work with affected customers to update the software in the multi-information display for free.

Fewer than 9,000 Subaru vehicles in Motor Image’s markets in the region are affected, it said. The markets include Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. — TODAY

Chinese tech giant Baidu Inc said yesterday it would launch a fully autonomous passenger car next year in a partnership with Hongqi, or Red Flag, the car brand long favoured by China’s political elite.

Hongqi, owned by carmaker China FAW Group Corp Ltd , is widely regarded as a symbol of China’s early communist revolutionary elite, including Mao and Deng Xiaoping, who rode the luxury sedan in the 1960s and 1970s.

Baidu, often seen as China’s equivalent to Alphabet Inc’s Google, said it will produce a limited number of fully automated level four Hongqi vehicles in 2019 for a pilot operation, before wider release in 2020.

Level four means they require no human intervention during autonomous driving in most conditions, said Baidu chief executive Robin Li and FAW chairman Xu Liuping at an event held to announce the plan.

Baidu has previously unveiled fully autonomous buses and trucks, but the Hongqi car marks a major push into self-driving vehicles for public use.

The car it showed off yesterday was white sports utility vehicle with a large sensor on its roof.

The tech firm is leading the charge in China’s effort to build autonomous cars with strong backing from the Chinese government, which named Baidu — whose main business is internet search — as one of four national champions in artificial intelligence (AI).

The company is also working with several of China’s largest cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, to develop autonomous driving infrastructure and public smart transport technology.

Baidu’s announcement comes as Google’s autonomous driving project Waymo is set to begin testing fully autonomous cars on California’s roads after earlier trials in other parts of the United States.

Baidu has also reached an agreement to develop self-driving electric vehicles with Chinese-owned Volvo Cars, and announced a tie-up with Ford Motor Co on Wednesday to test self-driving vehicles on Chinese roads.

China’s industry ministry has unveiled plans to become a world leader in several AI technologies, including autonomous driving, in the next decade.

The Hongqi marque has undergone several revamps over the decades, falling out of favour for a period in the 1980s, but more recently being revived amid a national push to promote Chinese brands. It has also created an electric concept car.

President Xi Jinping rode a Hongqi car during recent military parades and last month a Hongqi car was used to transport Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in a rare state visit. — Reuters

LOS ANGELES, Nov 1 ― Unplugged Performance, aftermarket fitters known for their premium Tesla upgrades and customisation, have turned Tesla's Model S into a bespoke supercar, which can be tailored to each owner's taste.

Yesterday at SEMA, Unplugged Performance announced their newest full Tesla vehicle upgrade package for the Model S, the S-APEX P100D, a build that can be “uniquely commissioned to the specific individual tastes of each owner” while bringing it into the supercar realm.

To reach this standard, Unplugged Performance completely reworks each vehicle. The Model S is already fairly streamlined and clean, but Unplugged adds on some extra components and materials for enthusiasts whose appreciation for the original is coupled with premium tastes.

Customers attend “an extensive consultation” with the Unplugged Performance team to develop a personalised design for the driver.

The package does, however, come with a few base upgrades.

For starters, the body is widened by forty millimeters per corner to lower drag and maximize performance. This can then be accompanied by the owner's choice of 19-, 20-, or 21-inch diameter ultra-lightweight wheels, paired with custom-tuned brand Plug-N-Play High Performance Shocks to make handling smooth and effortless.

Unplugged replaces the Tesla production braking system with their own Superlight Carbon Ceramic 6-piston braking system which provides better stopping power and better fade resistance, while reducing the vehicles total mass by 9kg.

As for the interior, the sky's the limit. As an example, the demonstration vehicle is trimmed in Alcantara and hand-selected premium leather, and the solid facades were resurfaced in real carbon fiber with a “factory satin clear coat finish.”

The extensive custom redesign is available to all Tesla markets, starting at US$50,000, around RM209,253, (not including the vehicle, of course). The demonstration S-APEX is on display at LA's 2018 SEMA Show at the Toyo Tires booth, and it features just a handful of the customizations Unplugged Performance can provide for the Model S. ― AFP-Relaxnews

LOS ANGELES, Nov 1 ― Honda opened the 2018 SEMA show with the Rugged Open Air Concept, an open air truck designed ― both inside and out ― to withstand the great outdoors.

Honda used the opening day of SEMA 2018 as an opportunity to showcase its new off-road-ready Rugged Open Air Concept ― an aggressively styled pickup complete with the “utility of the Honda Ridgeline” and the “off-road ruggedness” of the Honda Pioneer.

This brawny concept exposes passengers to the outdoors with nothing but a cabin frame overhead. The interior was redesigned to be ale to survive in the face of nature with waterproof upholstery and durable paint-on surfaces “to protect the exposed instrument panel from the elements.”

Though the model is a concept, it has been developed with existing Honda parts, making the off-roader a potential reality for some. The modified Ridgeline body and suspension are coupled with production Pioneer doors, and a custom bed and tailgate panels inspired by thePioneer 1000side-by-side.

On-road testing will start by the end of 2018 Ford said in a press release. The two companies will conduct tests in Beijing on roads that are specifically designated to self-driving tests.

The goal of the project is to develop “level 4” autonomous vehicles, which are fully autonomous under certain conditions, but still allow human intervention, according to a standard set by SAE International.

In the future, pending local regulations, Baidu and Ford might expand testing to other Chinese cities.

In March, Baidu CEO Robin Li predicted that self-driving cars would hit the roads in China “within three to five years”.

But safety remains a top concern when it comes to driverless cars.

In March, one of Uber’s autonomous vehicles killed a pedestrian, prompting the Silicon Valley tech firm to temporarily halt its self-driving car program.

Electronic car firm Tesla has also hit a few roadbumps.

In May, a Tesla in autonomous mode hit a police car parked on the side of the road.

Sometimes known as the “Chinese Google”, Baidu has made self-driving cars a priority. Last September, the Chinese tech company set up a US$1.5 billion (RM6.2 billion) fund dedicated to developing driverless cars.

In April 2017, Baidu launched Apollo, an “open platform” on which its technologies can be shared with developers and automakers. Ford is one of the founding members of Apollo.

Last week, the US car company saw its earnings tank during the third-quarter, in part due to weak sales in China.

US trade tariffs on aluminum and steel, which have caused a US$1 billion hit to company earnings, according to Ford CEO Jim Hackett, are taking a toll. ― AFP-Relaxnews

DETROIT, Oct 31 — If you own a Ford Mustang GT or EcoBoost model, now you too can look like you’re cool enough to drift like Vaughn Gittin Jr without actually having to do it, thanks to Ford Performance’s limited-edition RTR Series 1 styling pack.

Yesterday, Ford Performance announced it was working with world champion drifter Gittin Jr.’s RTR Vehicles to create an RTR styling pack in order to bring your road vehicle to the track.

The Series 1 Mustang RTR Powered by Ford Performance package, which can be installed on Mustang EcoBoost or GT models, restyles the car into a vehicle that offers “smile-inducing driving, diverse capability on the track and a very distinctive owner experience for those looking to stand out from the crowd.”

To express this new personality, the pack comes with new wheels and tires — 9.5-inches wide in the front and 10 inches wide in the rear — and an iconic new spoiler with an RTR Gurney flap. The nose will be outfitted with an RTR grill and grill inserts characteristic of Gittin’s drifters. More RTR-branded custom touches include fender badges, floor mats, shift knob and puddle lamps, in addition to a distinctive RTR windshield banner and side stripes.

The RTR pack can only be built onto the Performance Pack 1 which already upgrades the breaks, tweaks the suspension, and improves the cooling system. Between the two sets of enhancements, your ‘Stang will definitely be a showstopper on and off the track.

Only 500 of the Gittin-inspired styling packs will be available, at select Ford dealerships starting in early 2019. — AFP-Relaxnews

Kia has just announced the development – with help fromaftermarket outfitters DUB — of an “aggressively styled” K900 and a “fierce” Stinger GT for some of the biggest names in today’s pop culture. What better time to soup up these one-of-a-kind vehicles than for the premiere automotive specialty products trade show in the world?

The Stinger GT received some serious modifications inside and out, including a luxurious red and black leather interior, air ride suspension, custom exhaust and air intake, and new 22-inch wheels with red accents to match the extravagant interior.

Meanwhile, the new electric blue K900 features glossy black accents and a matching custom upholstery. The wheels were upgraded to 24-inch models, and like the Stinger GT, this luxury sedan was redesigned with an air ride suspension. The multimedia system also received a tailored facelift.

Beside these two lavishly reimagined DUB vehicles, a lineup of uniquely modified Kia rides will also be coming to SEMA.

The cars will debut today at 9am local time.

While the souped-up models are unfortunately not available for purchase, the production vehicles are available in a limited quantity for select markets. — AFP-Relaxnews

NEW YORK, Oct 30 — Tesla recently announced the US rollout of Navigate on Autopilot: a feature providing vehicles with the ability to autonomously merge, change lanes, take exits, and even navigate highway interchanges with driver approval.

Last week, Tesla released the first version of Navigate on Autopilot, “an active guidance feature for Enhanced Autopilot that, with driver supervision, guides a car from a highway’s on-ramp to off-ramp, including suggesting and making land changes, navigating highway interchanges, and taking exits.”

Though capable of driving cars autonomously, the feature requires action approval by the driver using the turn stalk. Once driverless vehicles have been approved by regulators, future versions of the feature will have the option of deactivating this precaution.

This AI decision confirmation ensures that the driver is still alert while the car navigates through traffic. If working responsively with Navigate, drivers will arrive at their destination via the most efficient route, thanks to vehicle-mandated suggestions that are designed to take into account and analyse information from eight external cameras, combined with ultrasonic and radar sensors. It’s like having a dosen sets of eyes on the road rather than just one.

To give your Tesla this supervised control, Navigate on Autopilot and Autosteer must be turned on from the Autopilot settings.

Once this is enabled, the vehicle will suggest lane changes to either keep you in the best lane to reach your destination, or to pass other cars to keep the vehicle at your set speed. The latter option comes with four settings — disabled, mild, average, or ‘Mad Max’ — which the feature will switch between based on the pace of surrounding traffic.

As vehicles face more and more road situations, the information from all experiences will be fed to Tesla’s neural net that consists of “advanced machine learning algorithms [that] allow our cars to collect and process data in milliseconds.” In short, Tesla’s algorithms are always learning, always analyzing, and always getting closer to being fully autonomous.

The rollout of Navigate on Autopilot begins this week in the US to those who have Enhanced Autopilot or Full Self-Driving Capability. As various markets’ regulatory bodies approve the technology, the rollout will expand internationally. — AFP-Relaxnews

PUTERI HARBOUR, Oct 28 — If you are one of today’s new generation of super-successful young men, and really wish for something that is really out of the ordinary, money not an issue, you would be the prime candidate for one of Rolls Royce’s Black Badge cars. The Black Badge edition is made available by Quill Motorcars Sdn Bhd, the local distributors for the Roll Royce brand.

Thus the weekend Rolls Royce Black Badge bash held at Puteri Harbour in Johor was also something that was out of the ordinary, a public event for special invitees to come try out the Black Badge Wraith and the Black Badge Ghost, two already very exclusive models even without the Black Badge additions.

The Black Badge edition is a permanent family of Bespoke Rolls Royce cars, offered in response to the differing lifestyles of an increasingly younger, more dynamic set of patrons of luxury in the country. The Black Badge cars differ from standard models with a bolder styling, use of contemporary materials such as carbon fibre and subtle engineering enhancements, providing added performance. Customers can order from over 44,000 different colours.

“We are confident of a positive response to Black Badge, as Malaysia offers good driving conditions and a growing customer base of successful people who are younger and dynamic. Malaysia has a vibrant luxury and car culture. The development of Johor’s luxury ‘hot spots’ such as Puteri Harbour and the Iskandar region, along with interest from potential customers, contributed to our decision to launch this exclusive range of cars here for the first time in Malaysia,” said Anas Zawawi Khalid, Director, Quill Motorcars Sdn Bhd.

Analogue instruments — Picture by YS Khong

The Black Badge is aimed at today’s generation of young, self-empowered, self-confident rule-breakers who are just as uncompromising and unapologetic in their choice of living and lifestyle as their predecessors. They follow the road less travelled, live the unconventional life, darkly obsessed by their own pursuits and accomplishments from which they derive a pure adrenaline rush. Their life is their entertainment, and they live it on their own terms.Carbon fibre wheels — Picture by YS Khong

As demanding in their lifestyle as they are in their life pursuits, these highly-driven people insist on great substance from any symbol of their lifestyle. More and more, such individuals wish to demonstrate their success through a symbiosis between their life’s work and their chosen brands. Over the last years, many such individuals have gravitated towards the revitalised Rolls-Royce Motor Cars as the brand most appropriate to encapsulate their truly individual lifestyles, much as their celebrated predecessors did in days past.

Technically and aesthetically ‘Black Badge’ is the alter ego of Rolls-Royce Wraith and Ghost; darker, more assertive, more confident, powerful and more demanding. The Black Badge Spirit manifests itself through a series of carefully considered design elements which together express a darker luxury sophistication.

With this manifesto as their departure point, Rolls-Royce designers, engineers and craftspeople set to work transforming Ghost and Wraith in subtly different ways. Their intent was to deliver darker, more assertive and more focused Black Badge alter egos that differ from each other as much as they do from their siblings. The result is two cars that at first glance offer very distinctive, common visual cues to their nature. But below the surface these are two very different beasts of the night.

The distinctive Parthenon Grille, the famous Double R logo and the Spirit of Ecstasy are the very embodiment of the Rolls-Royce brand. For the Black Badge editions, the Parthenon grille is rendered in black, as is the hood ornament, the Spirit of Ecstasy.

The Double R badge on the prow, flanks and aft of every Black Badge motor car invert to become silver on black, whilst chrome surfaces such as the front grille surround, boot lid finisher, lower air inlet finisher and exhaust pipes, turn dark.

The dashboard of the Rolls Royce Black Badge

In addition, the Black Badge editions get new and unique composite carbon fibre and lightweight alloy wheels. Developed by Rolls-Royce over four years, the new wheels feature 22 layers of carbon fibre laid in three axes, and folded back on themselves at the outer edges of the wheel rim to provide 44 layers of strength. Further strength is added via the 3D forged, aircraft-grade, aluminium hub which is bonded to the rim using aerospace strength titanium fasteners.

Black Badge will bring the colour black to new levels of intensity. The multiple layers of paint and lacquer that go into creating Black Badge Black are repeatedly hand polished – the most exacting painting and polishing process ever used for a solid paint colour. The result is the deepest, darkest and most intense black ever seen on a production car surface.

However, as Bespoke is Rolls-Royce, clients will of course be able to specify whatever colour they wish for the exterior colour and interior leather colour of their Ghost Black Badge or Wraith Black Badge.

Star-like illumination on the roof lining — Picture by YS Khong

Inside, the Black Badge cabin as it is suffused with a darker re-interpretation of pure luxury, inspired by Rolls-Royce’s advanced materials and aerospace heritage.

The centre piece of the Black Badge cabin is the aerospace-grade aluminium-threaded carbon fibre composite surfacing — material often seen on the surfaces of stealth aircraft. Threads of aircraft grade aluminium just 0.014mm in diameter are painstakingly woven together before being bonded with carbon fibre. This surface material then has six coats of lacquer applied, is left to cure for 72 hours, after which it is hand-polished to a mirror finish.

In addition, the air vents on the dash and in the rear of Black Badge motor cars have been darkened through the use of Physical Vapour Deposition. This surfacing method is one of the few ways to colour metal whilst ensuring that the parts will neither discolour nor tarnish over time or through repeated use.

Set into the cars’ fascia is a newly created Black Badge clock whose hands are tipped in orange, and whose face is adorned by the ‘Unlimited’ rating infinity logo that previously appeared in the celebrated Phantom Drophead ‘Waterspeed’, created in 2014 to celebrate the daring of world speed record champion Sir Malcolm Campbell. In common with Campbell, the Black Badge owner’s attitude to apparent limits is to challenge or ignore them, a trait celebrated by the ‘Unlimited’ logo.

The ‘Unlimited’ infinity logo is also embroidered on the Black Badge’s upholstery as black leather combines with vibrant colours of Tailored Purple in Ghost Black Badge and Cobalto Blue in Wraith Black Badge, delivering a more edgy feel to the cabin.

Overhead, the moody light cast from the black starlight headliner, and reflected around the cabin from the polished fascia, creates a darkly atmospheric ambiance.

Each of the motor cars that host the Black Badge spirit is a very different Rolls-Royce. Launched in 2009 and refreshed in 2014, Ghost is no ordinary power — the most contemporary interpretation of a Rolls-Royce ‘limousine’ which attracts those wealth-creating entrepreneurs who like to drive as much as be driven. Introduced in 2013, Wraith is the ultimate gentleman’s Gran Turismo, a true driver’s car.

The designers sought to imbue these two fantastic motor cars with the spirit of Black Badge in an authentic manner without diminishing their original essence.

“Black Badge was a fascinating challenge for Rolls-Royce’s engineers. We were already dealing with pinnacle motor cars, referred to as the best cars in the world,” comments Philip Koehn, Director of Engineering at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “Engineering excellence and technology leadership have resided at the very heart of the Rolls-Royce brand for the past 112 years. Black Badge Rolls-Royces are no exception — indeed they carry this tradition forward. It was vital to us that the aesthetic appeal and promise of Black Badge Ghost and Black Badge Wraith be underpinned by superlative engineering. The cars could not be the same as each other while at the same time, they had to offer their owners something subtly yet substantively different from the host cars, delivering a more spirited and exhilarating drive but in a truly Rolls-Royce manner.”

Technically and aesthetically ‘Black Badge’ is the alter ego of Rolls-Royce Wraith and Ghost.

In Ghost Black Badge it is important to ensure rear compartment passengers’ comfort by maintaining Rolls-Royce’s renowned ‘Magic Carpet Ride’. Rolls-Royce engineers used the flexibility of the 6.6 litre V12 engine to make Ghost Black Badge a little more menacing. Subtle engine output modifications see power increase by 40hp (30kw) to 603hp (450kw) and torque by 60Nm (840Nm) compared to current Ghost, whilst upgrades to the 8-speed automatic transmission give Ghost Black Badge an added sense of urgency in how it delivers its power.

Already the most powerful Rolls-Royce in the world at 624hp (465kw), Wraith has always been the most driver-focused car in Rolls-Royce’s model range. However, understanding how driven this new breed of customer is and their wish to push the boundaries of life, Rolls-Royce’s engineering team worked painstakingly to give this most phenomenal fastback coupé a uniquely discernible extra edge.

By combining an extra wave of torque (+70Nm) with the already existing high power output, a completely redesigned air-suspension set up, new drive shafts and uprated 8-speed transmission, Rolls-Royce has produced an even more driver-focused, agile Wraith, while at the same time preserving the intrinsic elements of the effortless Rolls-Royce Magic Carpet Ride. Upgrades to the 8-speed automatic transmission inject a level of added urgency in how Wraith Black Badge delivers its power.

Always conscious of the safety of its owners and other users of the road, Rolls-Royce has also upgraded the brakes of both Black Badge models, increasing the diameter of the front brake discs by one inch for a swifter and more direct brake pedal response. LED headlights are standard equipment for the Wraith Black Badge.

Prices for the Rolls Royce Ghost Black Badge and Wraith Black Badge start at RM1.35 million, and RM1.45 million respectively, for Langkawi registration, with customisation of up to another RM900k available.